In Training with Coach Kendra

I am your persistence story. I am your comeback success story, your ‘made mistakes and fallen a few times’ story. I have built new foundations where old ones had failed and risen stronger and more self-assured. I’m sure you know, have seen or maybe are someone just like me. My name is Kendra Kainz, and this is my story.

I understand how one’s life can get off track. There was a time when my life could be described as anything but joyous. I was divorced, overweight, didn’t feel well most of the time, had a generally negative outlook and was very inactive. My greatest achievement in those days was setting the new record for being a couch potato.

Of course, with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, health issues also began to creep in—and that’s exactly how they get you, creeping in. You often hear about people hitting rock bottom and then turning their life around. Well, I could see rock bottom fast approaching and decided to turn around before the impact. It was clearly time for big changes.

Today, I am 45lbs lighter, healthier, happier, optimistic and more positive and confident than I’ve ever been. My life is far from perfect; there are still challenges and things I’ve got to learn but, overall, I love life…my life…right now, exactly how it is. I not only have a direction, but I like where it’s going and what I am aspiring to do and be. Not to sound too much like a made-for-TV-feel-good- movie, I’m a great example of how you can change your life. I discovered a new lifestyle through exercising, nutrition, proactive health and wellness. It became my new foundation from which to move forward, and if you think you can’t do it, too, well, that’s just the couch talking.

I planned, worked hard and at times struggled…but then began to feel good. I began to see good things happen, lost 45lbs, and started to get interested in trying things I hadn’t even considered before. I am now an athlete. Not “I like to think of myself as an athlete” or “Some people might even call me an athlete.” It is something I am. I compete in triathlons and running races, and coach others on the best training techniques. I also teach people how to build better lifestyles and healthier bodies. That’s the power of change. Don’t just take my word for it, watch me in action. Follow my blog right here at OnlineShoes.com. See what I do, and read what I’ve learned. I don’t just talk the talk, I lead by example.

During the low times in my life, I wondered how I could help myself, how I could change my life and make things better. Just actually seeking the answers to these questions was a strong enough catalyst to get me going in the right direction. Just the change from being sedentary to actively pursuing the answers is the ultimate first step. I believe in a holistic approach for true change, and that can sometimes feel like you have to take on everything at once to make it work. That is simply not the case, but you do have to start somewhere. Start with one area you want to change, own it, and then tackle the next thing.

I started with exercise. Like anything new we attempt, it was not easy. Be gentle with yourself at the start, but persistent. Real growth takes dedication, baby steps, completing small goals and continual learning—and that is sometimes the hardest. But, using these few simple ideas, I discovered how much I loved exercising! I love how I feel doing it. I come alive. If you are like me, once exercising becomes part of your routine, a magic moment happens….a moment when you discover you want more. And I did. Much, much more.

I was in awe of how quickly the body, mind and soul will adapt to change when it is done with a little love and attention. The only reason we are not living life as we’d like, or have better health and bodies is…..US and our own silly, self-imposed limitations. Simple, but true. There is no magic formula. Real change requires self work and maintenance. But, if included in your lifestyle it will become habit. Think about it, you already have a morning routine that just sort of happens every day. Work a few new elements into your day, do them every day, and they will become second nature. The payoff for doing so is greater than anything you’d ever expect.

Why you should follow my blog? Everyone needs a little help sometimes, someone to help motivate, inspire or show the way to get started. Through my blog series; I want to help you make some tough but positive new life changes. I want to coach you in exercising, nutrition and general health and wellness. I want you to get fit and active and be more than thought you could be. I can help you get started or help you to keep going when you need a little push. I want to hear your questions, all about your successes and breakthroughs, and what is working best for you. I didn’t always have the passion I have today, and I want to share it with you along with my experience and knowledge.

If you continue to run forward, you’ll have no time to look back. Now get going…